It was initially thought that Rooney had been given a rest ahead of a gruelling run of fixtures, which includes three matches in just six days next week.

But in yet another blow for Van Gaal, whose squad is already decimated by injury, sources on the trip to Scandinavia have said the United manager faces an extended spell without his captain and talisman.

Rooney has made 32 appearances for United this season, a record bettered only by Chris Smalling (37), Daley Blind and Juan Mata (both 36).

The 30-year-old’s form has been mixed during what has been a troubled campaign at Old Trafford, but he has been back to somewhere near his best since he was dropped for the 2-0 Boxing Day defeat at Stoke. Rooney has scored seven goals in his last nine United appearances.

Van Gaal is holding a press conference later in the day, at which he will address the topic of Rooney, who played the full 90 minutes in defeat at Sunderland at the weekend.